With courage and conviction, five Refuse Fascism volunteers blocked the 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday morning. Their 60 foot banner read TRUMP/PENCE REGIME MUST GO! Rush hour freeway traffic was snarled and brought to a stop as the protesters broke through the normalization of fascism in the U.S. with this bold action.

Today's freeway stoppage comes in the wake of November 4, when 4000 people in 24 cities hit the streets demanding "This Nightmare Must End: The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!" It comes in the context of the Trump/Pence regime threatening to murder tens of millions of people on the Korean Peninsula and the nightmare this fascist regime is visiting on immigrants, Muslims and refugees, the elderly, sick and poor, women, LGBTQ, Black and Latino people, and people all over the world. This is the second time in two months Refuse Fascism activists have blocked the 101 freeway during rush hour in downtown LA.

California Highway Patrol eventually got to the scene and at first unsuccessfully attempted to rip the 60 foot banner from the protesters. An officer then threatened Refuse Fascism volunteers with a taser stun gun, pointing the electroshock weapon at a protester. Then the CHP officer pulled out a knife and cut into the banner attempting to tear it up. Numerous LAPD and CHP cars arrived on the 101 freeway, and the five brave volunteers continued chanting "Trump/Pence Must Go!" after being arrested and handcuffed. The five protesters are now in custody and have been charged with a misdemeanor trespassing (PC 602) and have $5000 bail each. This RefuseFascism.org action reflected the values of respect for all of humanity and the world we want—in stark contrast to the hate and bigotry of the Trump/Pence fascist regime.

Michelle Xai of Refuse Fascism said of the freeway action: "This is a clarion call to others to be part of making history. Let's stand together with courage and conviction, overcoming fear and uncertainty, demonstrating that In the Name of Humanity, We REFUSE to Accept a Fascist America. The Trump/Pence regime poses a catastrophic danger to humanity and the planet. It is our responsibility to drive these fascists from power through non-violent protest."